How Big Is Yours?

One of my goals for this year is to try live greener. Though I’m just one person and didn’t think it would make much of a difference, the truth is every single thing anyone does on a daily basis affects our planet. We all have the power to control many of our choices and the impact we create.

Since I’ve been trying to make a conscious effort to adhere to this principle, I am amazed at how un-green I actually had been living. There’s no better time to reflect upon what I’ve discovered and accomplished to date than today as Earth Day was intended to aspire awareness of and appreciation for the world around us.

Some of the things that can be done to live green simply mean using less. Turn off lights and use more natural light. In the winter set the thermosat a few degrees lower and, likewise, in the summer a few degrees higher. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Amazingly this saves six gallons of water each day (assuming you brush twice daily like your dentist advises). I burn through less gasoline when plotting a plan of attack instead of driving willy-nilly when running errands; we all know how exorbitant gas prices have become these days.

I had no idea that 90 percent of the energy used for washing clothes is used to heat the water, which means that only 10 percent of the electricity a washing machine consumes goes to run the motor. I now push the cold/cold button on mine more often. I use cloth grocery bags instead of asking for paper or plastic each time I go to the store (though admittedly have to run back to the car to fetch them because I usually forget to bring them in with me!).

By borrowing from friends or the library instead of buying personal books, I not only save money but also the ink and paper used to print new reading materials. Did you know it takes 15 to 20 trees to make the paper for a new average-sized adult book? Think about how long it takes just one to grow. I recycle ink cartridges and old electronics. E-waste not only contains mercury and other toxics, but is the fastest growing component of our environmental problem.

Most of these things are very easy to do. I’ve learned I just have to start small and then incorporate the practices into my daily life. I initially had to be mindful of my habits, but they soon became second nature.  Living green isn’t hard and it doesn’t cost a lot.  In fact, not only am I helping the environment, but I’m also saving money. A win-win combo, no?

How big is the carbon footprint you are leaving and what are you doing to reduce its size?